House Football

With one round remaining, the Senior House Football team are currently in third position. After a superb 10 - 2 win against Welsh, a tough 1 - 3 loss against Orchard and a hard fought 3 - 3 draw (playing much of the game with only 9 men due to injuries) versus Everett, it is mathematically possible to finish in second place if the team can beat Burr, very convincingly, on the first Monday after half term. The Juniors are finding the going tougher and are yet to score a point after three losses. They have tried to play some attractive football though, which we hope finally pays off as they too play Burr, to try to avoid winning the wooden spoon.

The photographs attached are of the Junior match against Welsh (in purple) and include; support from our substitutes, camera shy Y11 in support, Henry Waller and Matt Horsfall watchful in defence, Harry Vardigans and Tom McCooke in attack, Horsfall attacking, Safian Majeed clearing the ball away in defence and Vardigans celebrating his goal.

Senior photographs, against Everett (in Red), were kindly taken by Dub Brady and include very timely pictures of Joshua Lewis' left footed shot going in to the net and Alex Campbell turning after hammering his goal home.

Paintballing

On the first Friday of term Skipwith joined Welsh House on a trip to Delta Force's Paintballing arena on the Mapledurham Estate. Most pupils love this kind of activity but even those who would admit that it would not be their first choice got involved on the day. The pizzas were certainly enjoyed by all! The Blog photographer would have been banned for trying to take action photos due to health and safety reasons, so those shown were taken between games. Some photos are 'polluted/enhanced' by a Welsh House contingent who were far too competitive on the day! There was a lovely atmosphere on the day which was great as the main aim was for new and existing pupils to bond within their own year groups and Houses.

Year 9 Island Adventure

Year 9 appeared to be having a fantastic time on 'Shiplake Island' in their first week at the College. Mr. Bradley made a visit early in the evening and said that the boys were having a fine time (he appears to be pretty happy too in the photo!) and were working very well in their groups. I made a visit later in the evening and the boys were very enthusiastic about showing me the shelters that they had made for the evening. There were some fine constructions and one even contained what the boys had called their 'sofa'. The next morning there were reports of very little sleep but a substantial Shiplake fry-up for breakfast helped to get them through the next day. The boys were very grateful to Mr. Bridgeman for organising the night, who also had help from our Head of House Edward Sykes.

A Rower for the Future?!

Belated news to some but a massive congratulations to Tom and Rachel Crisford on the birth of their first child. Samuel Andrew Peter Crisford was born at 7.33am on Saturday 7th August, weighing in at 7lb 5oz. All are really well but as expected Samuel is experimenting with his parents' sleep patterns! He is shown here at 2 weeks old.

1st VIII at Henley

I managed to 'escape' for an hour on 'Henley Wednesday' to watch the 1st VIII row superbly and stay ahead of KGS. These photographs were captured as the crew returned victorious to the landing stage. Our very own Chris Troup (Y12) coxed the crew and he is featured, also with his 'rowing uncle' Mr. Crisford.

House Athletics Championships

A while ago now (apologies but I am now finding time to catch up!) but these are photographs of the Skipwith performers and medal winners from the House Athletics. A special mention for the Junior Team who were eventually 'pipped at the post' during the relays and tied for second place.